Liverpool star Joel Matip is the only possible “flaw” in Jurgen Klopp’s defence but he has been “fantastic” in recent weeks, claims Reds legend Steve Nicol.
Matip has started the last six Premier League games for Liverpool this season.
The Cameroon international has helped Klopp’s side open up a five-point gap over Manchester City at the top of the table.
He has become the regular partner for UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk.
Nicol has been impressed by Matip but says he has the potential to be the one weakness in the Liverpool defence.
“That [understanding with Van Dijk] comes with time,” Nicol told ESPN FC.
“They’ve, not just the start of the season but the end of last season, spent a lot of time playing together.
“Again, Matip, I think if there was a flaw in the back it would be around the Matip area, but the last couple of weeks he’s been fantastic.
“And of course Van Dijk again in this game [against Sheffield United], you talk about being in the right place at the right time, reading the situation, being cool and calm.
“So yeah at the back that’s a real good partnership right now.”
Matip and Van Dijk helped Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday.
And Nicol was full of praise for the Blades’ performance.
“I’m sure Van Dijk and Matip didn’t have an enjoyable afternoon against Oli McBurnie, who put himself around which most players can’t get away with these days,” he added.
“But he put himself about as did the rest of the Sheffield United players.
“You talk about showing guts and heart and energy and effort and the crowd as well got behind them.
“If Sheffield United put that sort of commitment in every time they step on the field in the Premier League, they’ve got a good chance of staying up.”